"We must support our rights or lose our character, and with it, perhaps, our liberties."
"It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty."
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Source: James Monroe, Ian Elliot, United States. President (1817-1825 : Monroe) (1969). “James Monroe, 1758-1831: chronology, documents, bibliographical aids”, Oceana Pubns
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"It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising the sovereignty. Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and a usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin. Let us, then, look to the great cause, and endeavor to preserve it in full force. Let us by all wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties."
"In a representative republic, the education of our children must be of the utmost importance!"
"The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil."
"A free, virtuous, and enlightened people must know full well the great principles and causes upon which their happiness depends."
"Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all - liberty!"